Simone (2010) - Movie Review

I have been on somewhat of a lucky roll recently when it comes to reviewing short movies. What with Fatal Pictures terrific Worm and JABB Pictures double-header of Spike and Polly, amongst others, impressing me no end I felt sure that this run would soon come to a grinding and resounding halt. They say, whoever they are, that all good things must come to an end. Well I say bullshit to that thank you very much. In case you hadn’t guessed Simone is also a short movie, clocking in at around 16 mins, and I am glad to say that it most definitely keeps the streak alive, impressively so.

Now, when it comes to reviewing movies I like to go in cold, so to speak, I will avoid reading up about it. Sometimes that is unavoidable but with indie cinema it is a lot easier. That is how I approached Simone, in fact every time I thought about it before I watched it I kept hearing Bob Hoskins growling the name in the 1986 flick Mona Lisa. Anyway, before I get too sidetracked, I went into Simone not knowing anything about the plot at all and this worked wonderfully, allowing the film to unravel before me with no expectations.

For those of you out there that do want some idea about what the movie is about, it’s about Simone waking up and slowly recalling the events of the night before. With this the filmmakers do an excellent job of slowly piecing together the puzzle that confronts Simone, who is played quite superbly by Jennifer Ward.

Director Joops Fragale has crafted an excellent movie that will keep you interested throughout its short running time. The whole look of the film, aside from having very decent production values, only serves to enhance the sense of confusion felt by Simone. The editing is spot on and even though there are short shots which reveal elements of the story it never feel like the editor is having some sort of episode.

Overall Simone was more than a pleasant surprise, it was in actual fact a joy to watch. It was quite apparent that time and effort went into the production of the movie and it shows on screen. Good filmmaking and a quality script, from Frazer Lee, help elevate this well into the realms of being a damned good film. 

For more information or to order Simone check out 3hree8ight6ix Films Official Site

Review by Jude Felton